There are two
types of jobs in Canada: regulated occupations and non-regulated
occupations. To work in a regulated occupation, you must have a
license.

Occupation
Regulated by Province / Territory

This occupation is not regulated in Canada.
What does this mean?

Regulated vs.
Non-Regulated Occupation

This occupation
does not require certification in Ontario.

In Canada, some
provinces and territories regulate certain professions and trades while others
do not. If you have a licence to work in one province, your licence may not be
accepted in other provinces or territories.

Most regulatory
bodies and apprenticeship authorities have their own Web sites that provide
information on licensing, eligibility requirements, foreign credential
recognition, registration fees and contact information. Contact information for
the relevant regulatory body can be found below (if applicable).

Newcomers and Foreign
Credential Recognition: Who should recognize your credentials?

Regulated
Occupation: If your
occupation is regulated, credential assessment and recognition is usually
completed by a regulatory body. Contact information for the relevant
regulatory body can be found below (if applicable).

Non-Regulated Occupation: If your occupation is non-regulated, employers will be interested
in learning about your education and work experience. This information can
be summarized in a resume. Employers may be interested in the Canadian
equivalency to your international educational credentials. For a fee, a
provincial credential assessment agency can assess your credentials.
Contact information for the relevant credential assessment agency can be
found below (if applicable).

TIP:
A credential assessment takes time and costs money. Check with a regulatory
body or other organization to determine if you need an assessment before
spending money on an assessment that is not required or recognized.

Provincial
credential assessment services assess academic credentials for a fee. The
assessment will tell you how your education compares with educational standards
in the province or territory where you are planning to settle. An assessment
may help you in your job search.

Are you an
internationally trained individual looking for guidance on foreign credential
recognition in your profession in Canada? This occupational fact sheet can help
you by providing information on:

the general requirements to work in your profession

the steps that you can take to find the most reliable sources of
information

inherit software projects
abandoned by other programmers. They sometimes find that the programming
is inconsistent and messy because it was written by a number of previous
programmers, each with a different style. Computer programmers clean up
the programming of the applications, section by section, always ensuring
that the applications behave as expected and that no interruptions occur
at the users’ end.

encounter ‘bugs’ in new
software applications or errors while programming. For example, they may
find that interactive features on websites are not responding as
expected. Errors may result from a wide range of factors, some of which
are unknown. Computer programmers troubleshoot the system, methodically
testing one component at the time until the bug is found. Once the
culprit code lines have been identified, they modify them and test
applications to ensure proper functioning. In some cases, the process is
one of trial and error until software applications function as
originally intended.

find that software designs
do not meet clients’ expectations. They call a meeting with clients and
information technology experts to clarify expectations and designs. They
redesign and make the required changes to the software code to get
projects back on track and client satisfaction.

use communications
software. For example, they exchange e-mail and attach documents with
colleagues and clients, create address lists, schedule meetings and send
invitations to participants.

use word processing. For
example, they create, edit and format documents such as reports,
proposals, user guides, workflow plans, schedules and specifications
documents.

use graphics software. For
example, they manipulate photographs of clients’ products by adjusting
size, colour or contrast. They create animations and visual
representations of clients’ products. They may also use presentation
software such as PowerPoint to create slide shows outlining the
development process for websites including components such as
methodology, architecture, data access and ‘lookup.’

use spreadsheets. For
example, they create list of tasks and timelines for projects, track
feedback or comments, build tables and graphs, program macros to produce
statistics and transform list of data into different kinds of lists.

use the Internet. For
example, they perform searches for programming code, information about
software or solutions to problems. They visit vendors’ web sites,
participate in exchange forums and post descriptions of problems on
bulletin boards. They visit and evaluate a variety of web sites for
specific features and functions and may connect directly to clients’
systems to find and fix programming errors.

use databases. They
design, create, manage, update and query the databases. They may use
database application development tools to develop custom software
specific to clients’ needs.

Do programming and systems
and software design. For example, they develop web pages with
interactive or animation features, create interfaces for databases,
develop information management systems with query capabilities, create
capability to validate information, program e-mail messaging features,
and link various documents, tables and web pages. Computer programmers
require specialized knowledge of multiple computer languages, codes and
mastery of many other system development applications. They must be able
to identify when a particular language is best suited for a given
application and offer the capability to program the features and
functions to meet clients’ needs.

Computer programmers set their own
learning goals and are responsible for identifying learning resources. They
regularly consult co-workers, colleagues and supervisors and learn from these
discussions. They also learn by reading trade magazines, software manuals,
user guides and numerous online resources. Computer programmers participate
in formal training activities such as taking courses on particular technical
topics through off-site training organized by vendors or at a college or
university. They also attend professional conferences or seminars offered
through professional associations. The information technology field is fast
paced and computer programmers must constantly maintain and update their
skills.

To
learn more about the remaining Essential Skills, consult Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada’s Essential
Skills Profile for this
occupation.

Canada has two
official languages: English and French. Depending on where you decide to live,
you may be required to work in English, French, or in both languages. How well
you can communicate in English or French is important to work in Canada.

Many regulated
occupations require official proof of language skills. Obtaining official
documentation, such as language test results, costs money. Some regulators may
only accept official language documentation from specific organizations.

The Government of
Canada provides language training programs for newcomers in cooperation with
provinces, territories and non-governmental organizations. Contact the language
training centre in your city or town to find out what programs are offered.

Other job-specific language programs may be offered that help
prepare you for working for this occupation in Canada. These may be
offered through school boards, community colleges or community agencies.

There are also
many non-governmental organizations in Canada that offer English and French
language programs for a fee.

This occupation (Computer
Programmers and Interactive Media Developers) is part of a larger group
called Computer and Information Systems Professionals (NOC 217).
According to the Labour Force Survey (2009), the unionization rate for this
group was 20%, while the unionization rate for all occupations was 31%.

As shown in the
graph, according to the 2006 Census, 11% of people in this occupation were
self-employed, while the average for all occupations was 12%.

The Labour Force
Survey also gives us some information about self-employment. This occupation (Computer
Programmers and Interactive Media Developers) is part of a larger group
called Computer and Information Systems Professionals (NOC 217).
According to the Labour Force Survey (2009), 19% of workers in this group were
self-employed, while the average for all occupations was 16%.

The Canadian
Forces is currently recruiting 2,800 Regular Force, and 5,400 part-time Reserve
Force members for a wide range of careers across Canada.

The mission of the
Canadian Forces is to protect Canada, defend North America in co operation with
the U.S., and contribute to international peace and security. On any given day,
about 8,000 Canadian Forces members – one third of our deployable force – are
preparing for, engaged in or returning from an overseas mission. At home,
Canadian Forces can bring the best available military resources from across
Canada to bear on a crisis or threat, wherever it occurs, nation-wide.

To learn about the
requirements and application process, visit FORCES.CA.

Starting a
business can be a rewarding undertaking, but it comes with its challenges.
Before starting a business in Canada, it is wise to do your own research. You
should also make sure that you are suited for entrepreneurship and that you
understand the significant effort required.

Whether you are
planning to come to Canada as a business immigrant, foreign investor or
self-employed person, the Canada Ontario Business Service Centre has a variety
of resources to help you plan or start a business in Ontario.

This section
provides information on the wages earned by people in this occupation for
Canada and specific communities.

Local Wage
Information

This section
provides local information on wage rates. A number of factors can affect the
wage paid for the same occupation in different Canadian communities such as the
geographic location, labour agreements or availability of workers.

Visit the
Provincial Job Futures for information on the current trends and the future
outlook for occupations in this province or territory. The Web site is a joint
effort of the federal, provincial and territorial governments.

According to the
Labour Force Survey (2009), the median hourly wage for Computer Programmers and
Interactive Media Developers was $30.40. That is to say that half of all
workers in this occupation earned less than this amount and half earned more.
The median hourly wage for all occupations was $21.00.

According to the
same survey, the average wage for Computer Programmers and Interactive Media
Developers was $31.40.

This section
provides information on forecasted demand for the selected occupation. This
information can help you choose a place to live and work. In Canada, the
occupational demand can vary from one community to another. Occupational demand
increases and decreases for a number of reasons: changes in the technology, the
economy, a growth in natural resources, or a demand for a particular kind of
product or service.

Local Employment
Potential Information

The following
table identifies employment conditions for Windsor-Sarnia Area.

This section
provides labour demand and labour supply projections for this occupation over
the 2009-2018 period.

The data in the
following table are derived from HRSDC’s Canadian Occupational Projection
System (COPS). COPS uses a variety of models to produce a detailed 10-year
labour market projection per broad skill level and per occupation at the
national level, which focuses on the trends of labour supply and labour demand
over the next ten years.

This occupation (Computer
Programmers and Interactive Media Developers) is part of a larger
occupational group called Computer and Information Systems Professionals
(NOC 217).

Occupations in this
group

Information Systems Analysts and Consultants (2171)

Database Analysts and Data Administrators (2172)

Software Engineers and Designers (2173)

Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers (2174)

Web Designers and Developers (2175)

Employment
(non-student) in 2008

337,331

Median Age of
workers in 2008

38

Average Retirement
Age in 2008

62

Occupation
Projection for Canada

Over the 2006-2008
period, employment growth in this occupation was strong. The unemployment rate
decreased to reach a very low level in 2008. This suggests that there was a shortage
of workers in this occupation. In other words, the number of job openings
exceeded the number of job seekers.

Over the 2009-2018
period, an occupation will be in excess demand (a shortage of workers) if the
projected job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand)
are greater than the projected job seekers (arising from school leavers,
immigration and mobility), while an occupation will be in excess supply (a
surplus of workers) if the projected job seekers are greater than the projected
job openings. For Computer and Information Systems Professionals, over
the period of 2009-2018, job openings are expected to total 131,006. It
is expected that 190,335 job seekers will be available to fill these job
openings.

Despite the recent
labour shortage in this occupation, it is expected that labour demand and
supply will be balanced over the 2009 2018 period, with a sufficient number of
job seekers to fill all the job openings. Job openings will mainly result from
employment growth. Fewer jobs will result from retirements as there are many
young workers in this occupation. Although the rate of employment growth in
this occupation will not reach the same level it did in the 1990s, it will
remain strong for the projection period. This is because computer technology is
now an integral part of the economy, which is becoming increasingly knowledge
based. However, changes in technology that facilitate remote communication will
increase competition in this industry since they will make it possible for
Canadian companies to outsource information and communications technologies and
development services to lower cost countries. Although labour demand will be
high, the number of job seekers is expected to be sufficient to fill all the
job openings in this occupation. In fact, the number of computer science school
leavers will be high since this field of study continues to be very popular
among young people. Immigration will also be an important source of job seekers
since computer related jobs remain one of the most attractive high-skilled
occupations for immigrants, given that skills and knowledge acquired abroad in
this field are easily transferable to Canada.

This section
provides information on Canadian educational institutions and other
organizations that offer training for the occupation selected. Having proper
training and/or education is important in finding a job in Canada.

Important:
If you have received education or training outside of Canada, it may be
important to have your credentials assessed and evaluated to see if your
education is equivalent to Canadian standards (see Licence and
Certification section).

CanLearn

CanLearn.ca is
Canada’s trusted source of information that supports awareness and
decision-making to help individuals save, plan and pay for post secondary
education and pursue future career opportunities.

Explore
the post-secondary education options that Canada has to offer in the CEGEPs,
Colleges and Universities Search. Browse detailed information about Canadian
universities, Canadian community colleges and CEGEPs, and find the school that
best suits your needs.

The
CanLearn Scholarship Search is a service provided in collaboration with
Studentawards.com. Studentawards.com is the leading FREE Canadian scholarship
search service devoted to helping high school, college and university students
find information on scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of
financial assistance available from the private sector and not-for-profit
organizations.

This section will
help you learn about additional resources that may assist you in your job
search.

Service Canada
Centres Near You

Service Canada
offers single window access to a wide range of Government of Canada programs
and services for citizens. You can visit one of our 320 Service Canada Centres
across Canada, where you can get free Internet access, help on how to use the
Web, and answers from our specially trained staff to almost any question about
government services and benefits.

Every
year, Canada welcomes thousands of new residents. Coming to Canada as an
immigrant is an exciting opportunity, but also a great challenge.

The Going to
Canada Immigration Portal. provides
seamless on-line information and services from a variety of government and
non-government sources to help immigrants make informed decisions about coming
to Canada and better prepare them, before they arrive, for integration into the
Canadian labour market and society.

Associations and Unions are organizations that may
provide news to its members about networking events, professional development
and other common issues for people working in the same industry. For the list
of associations and unions, visit the following site: Labour
Market Information

Can I immigrate
to Canada to work in this field?

You may be
eligible to apply as a federal skilled worker if you have an arranged offer of
permanent employment from a Canadian employer, or if you have been living
legally in Canada for one year as an international student or temporary foreign
worker. Find out more about who is eligible to apply in the Federal skilled worker
section.

We invite you to
visit the City of
Windsor and the County of Essex
Web site. Supported by the Government of Ontario and Citizenship and
Immigration Canada, this Web site provides you with community information to
live and work in Windsor and Essex.

Wrote, modify, integrate and test software code.Maintain existing computer programs by making modifications as required.Identify and communicate technical problems, processes and solutions.Support data communications and help implement insurance business and intranet strategies, especially in the
development of Oracle DB, oracle application (forms and report) and MS Access. Provide

Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation and maintenance of Software.